Unemployment Insurance Specialist

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) supports Ohioans and their families through various programs including Cash and Food Assistance, Employment Services and Workforce Development, Unemployment Insurance, Adult Protective Services, and Child Support. This public service role offers a hands-on way to make a difference in the community. ODJFS aims to be a leader in customer satisfaction and attract and retain talented, diverse, and dedicated employees. Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities, committed to providing access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodation in accordance with the ADA. This position is part of the Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations (OUIO), which administers Ohio's unemployment insurance program to provide short-term income to unemployed workers and bolster local economies.

Requirements

• Option 1: 24 months experience as Unemployment Insurance Examiner,16752.
• Option 2: 24 months experience in interpreting, applying, & making decisions for program eligibility &/or liability (e.g., unemployment insurance, workers compensation, income tax, debt collection) AND 6 months training or 6 months experience in developing correspondence AND 12 months training or 12 months experience in customer contact (i.e., telephone, face-to-face, &/or electronic communication) for purposes of problem solving AND 6 months training or 6 months experience in operation of personal computer.
• Option 3: Completion of undergraduate coursework in business administration, public administration, human services, or social sciences AND 6 months training or 6 months experience in developing correspondence AND 12 months training or 12 months experience in customer contact (i.e., telephone, face-to-face, &/or electronic communication) for purposes of problem solving AND 6 months training or 6 months experience in operation of personal computer.
• Option 4: Equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.
• Experience evaluating program eligibility and supporting organizational communication and development.
• Core competencies include decision-making, analysis, communication, and training support.
• Ensuring compliance with state and federal program guidelines.
• Analytical thinking.
• Attention to detail.
• Consistency in applying policy.
• Confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to prioritize cases and manage workload volume.
• Must provide own transportation or, in order to operate a state vehicle, you must have a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Examine and resolve the most complex Unemployment Insurance (UI) accounts, cases and applications.
• Serve as a technical resource by providing policy guidance and operating-system support to central and field office staff.
• Act as a lead worker by assisting in training and mentoring lower-level examiners.
• Handle the most difficult inquiries from the public, employers, legislators, and other stakeholders.
• Analyze case facts, assess credibility, and apply relevant laws, rules, and policies to adjudicate claims and issue decisions.
• Conduct comprehensive case reviews requiring independent judgment and full-cycle technical work from initial evaluation through resolution.
• Perform fact-finding to determine whether additional information is needed for initial or redetermination claim examinations.
• Gather information through interviews or written correspondence and clarify conflicting or ambiguous details.
• Identify potential fraud during interviews and refer cases to fraud specialists or auditors as appropriate.
• Research and verify information using multiple databases and evaluate evidence to determine benefit eligibility.
• Issue administrative appeal decisions and represent the Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations (OUIO) through written and verbal communication.
• Participate in meetings with internal and external partners as needed.
• Respond to inquiries from claimants, employers and other interested parties via phone, email, mail and other communication methods.
• Explain claim status, program requirements, and unemployment processes clearly and accurately.
• Resolve complex of multi-faceted claim issues in collaboration with relevant parties.
• Monitor and manage voicemail and email accounts to ensure timely responses.
• Provide training sessions, presentations, and support for program operations.
• Participate in Rapid Response sessions and other outreach activities.
• Perform related tasks, including attending training and meetings as required.
• Use computer systems to prepare correspondence, reports, and other documentation.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and files.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree